Sanjay Arora: The Mastermind Who Decodes Brand Mysteries

Sanjay Arora’s viral videos, inspiring TEDx talks, and relatable storytelling make him a marketing guru who educates while entertaining viewers on his Instagram page. The branding and advertising veteran simplifies complex marketing and advertising topics and often reveals hidden truths behind consumer and brand behaviour.

The Viral Educator

Have you ever stumbled upon a video that made you rethink your daily buying decisions? Chances are, it was by Sanjay Arora. With a PhD in Brand Management, Marketing Communication, and Consumer Behaviour, Sanjay is not just any other marketing expert. He is a master at making complex ideas look simple. He now has a loyal following with over 1,300 videos and 461K followers on Instagram. His content is also spread across Facebook and YouTube, making learning about marketing fun and accessible.

Insights That Can Leave You Stunned

Here are times when Sanjay made us realise how little we knew:

The Contrast Effect

In one of his most-watched videos, Sanjay explained the ‘Contrast Effect,’ an unconscious bias that happens when we compare two or more things instead of assessing them individually. Using numbers and humour, he showed how ad agencies trick us into thinking we’re getting a great deal. But in reality, it’s not just marketing but psychology at play.

The Truth About Brands vs. Manufacturing Units

Have you ever read what’s written behind the product you buy? Sanjay’s video, watched by 3.7 million people, breaks down the difference between manufacturing units and brands. He made us realise that brands sell emotions, not just products. A regularly used Gillette shaving gel is not manufactured by the brand itself, and Apple iPhones, which are status symbols, aren’t assembled by them.

Why are Yellow and Red prime colours for advertising and promoting?

In one of his talks, Sanjay reveals why most brand logos use red and yellow. Red excites us, while yellow grabs our attention, making us hungrier for the product. He makes it clear that it’s not just colour; the science behind it influences our cravings and decisions.

The Sachet Marketing Tactic

With a strong hook, Sanjay makes us realise that buying bigger sizes isn’t always the best deal. He explains how sachets, shampoo, detergent, or coffee are marketed smartly to attract low-income groups while acting as free advertisements. This clever strategy plays the long game, making us spend more than we realise.

Candies as Change – The UPI Effect

Remember getting candies like Eclairs or Melody as a change at local shops? Sanjay explains how this was not just a shopkeeper’s trick but a strategic move by big brands and brains like Parle and Cadbury. When UPI payments became popular, candy sales dropped by 30%! It was an industry disruption from an unexpected competitor.

Who is Sanjay Arora?

TEDx Speaker and Educator

Sanjay is not just an online sensation. He’s an 8x TEDx speaker who loves sharing knowledge. From seminars and keynote speeches to visiting business colleges, he’s everywhere. He talks about marketing, advertising, and consumer behaviour in a way that even a novice would understand. His passion for teaching makes him a much-in-demand faculty member at top institutes like IMT Nagpur, Nagpur University, and Manipal University (Dubai Campus).

The Man Behind Shells Advertising Inc.

Did you know that in 1987, Sanjay founded Shells Advertising Inc., one of Central India’s largest advertising agencies? Under his leadership, Shells bagged over a dozen creative awards and became the first agency from the region to go global with a branch in Dubai. With 36 years of experience, he’s become a legend in the advertising world.

An Inspiring Rotarian and Social Leader

Sanjay has been an active Rotarian since 1992. He became the President of the Rotary Club of Nagpur North in 2002 and led multiple international exchange programs, including trips to Sydney, Ohio, and Minneapolis. He’s also the founder of BNI Nagpur, Rotary Means Business Nagpur, and the Marketing Forum of Vidarbha Industries Association. His social work speaks volumes about his commitment to community building.

Giving Back Through Yoga

Here’s a side of Sanjay that not many know: he’s a qualified Yoga instructor. He and his wife Shalini have been conducting free Yoga classes at Chitnavis Centre, Nagpur, for nine years. He even authored a practical guide, ‘Simple Yoga for a Healthy Life,’ inspiring people to embrace wellness.